Famous File 9/15/2011

A Big Chief Goes Out In Style

By Tess Conrad

On July 15 the Backstreet Cultural Museum sent the sad news that Lionel Delpit was to be sent off the next day. As the "Big Chief" of the Black Feather tribe, he was known throughout the city for his passion for Mardi Gras Indian culture, smooth moves and powerful personality.
Clearly, an event not to be missed.

The service was held in an converted Woodsmen of the World building on the very busy Franklin Avenue,  in a rough part of town. No one was deterred; dozens of cars parked on the neutral ground and the streets were packed for blocks around. An ambulance stood by in the sweltering New Orleans heat, ready to scoop up any Indians who'd passed out under their hot and heavy suits.
A team of horses waited with the old-fashioned hearse, patiently ignoring the kids, the drums, the tambourines.

When the mass ended so many attendees poured out that we couldn't imagine how the building held them all. Every tribe in the city had sent delegates in respect, some in traditional dark suits, others in elaborate Indian suits, and many in memorial tee shirts.

The crowd was purely local, and full of N'awlins only interactions: as we waited for the coffin to be taken from the church, a hand fell on my shoulder. "Honey, how come you way back here? Go on up there, get you some pictures up close!"

"We don't want to intrude on the family," I said, thinking that actually we weren't all that far anyway.
"Sheeee-it," he laughed. "You can't intrude on nobody- the more people want to see the Chief, the more honor you're doin' him!" He got serious, adding, "We gotta remember this is all we got.  A little kindness for each other, ya know?"
"Especially on days like this," my husband agreed.
"No, man- every day. Every day," he said, melting back into the crowd with a smile.
The driver took his seat just then, looking straight out of central casting:

The coffin was loaded, and off they went, passing by his father's house and the local Indian stomping ground before leaving for the cemetery. Because their family tomb isn't local, there was no dirge march to the graveyard- once the procession started moving, the celebration began, seeing the Big Chief off with the traditional "I'll Fly Away":





To see an amazing slideshow of the day click here.





 

Brief explanation of Mardi Gras Indians here.
Many photos and details about the Indians from my New Orleans blog here.
News story about Lionel Delpit's life here.
News story about his funeral here.